Sachin Tendulkar Only Indian in ICC Test Team 2011

Good news for cricket fans is that Sachin Tendulkar has been selected in the Test Team 2011 announced by ICC on Friday. But the heart breaking news is that he is the only Indian in the line-up that is dominated by Englishmen and South Africans.

From the Asian continent only Kumar Sangakarra has been chosen as captain and wicketkeeper while Zaheer Khan is the 12th man. Tendulkar has made it to the side for third consecutive year (previously in 2009 & 2010) while two Africans (Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis), two Englishmen (Graeme Swann & James Anderson) and Kumar Sangakarra are selected for second time in a row.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn is the only player to be selected for the forth time in 4 years.

According to the selection panel the decision was made purely on the basis of not only the performance of the player but also on other factors like condition of pitch, match situation and the kind of opposition.

The panel included: Clive Lloyd, from West Indies, Paul Adams from South Africa, Zaheer Abbas from Pakistan, Danny Morrison of New Zealand and Mike Gatting from England.

ICC Test Team 2011:

Alastair Cook (England)
Hashim Amla (South Africa)
Jonathan Trott (England)
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka -Wk/Captain)
AB de Villiers (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Stuart Broad (England)
Graeme Swann (England)
Dale Steyn (South Africa)
James Anderson (England)
Zaheer Khan (India) (12th man)